UMUAHIA – The police in Abia State have arrested one of the contestants to the Arochukwu traditional stool in Abia State, Godwin Kanu Idei, over alleged impersonation.
There has been a raging tussle for the stool between Idei and Pastor Eberechukwu Oji.
The tussle has created tension in Arochukwu Kingdom, with youths and women protesting the situation.
Idei was alleged to be parading himself as the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kindgom when he was yet to be recognized by the state government.
Vanguard gathered that Idei was crowned as the Eze Aro by the traditional ruler of Ibom Isii, Eze Nwa Kanu.
However, the state government condemned the action and suspended Eze Ibom Isii, over alleged abuse of office.
Some natives of the Aro kingdom who pleaded anonymity insist that Idei has been crowned as the Eze Aro and ought to have been recognized by the government. They accuse Gov. Alex Otti of trying to impose Pastor Eberechukwu Oji on the people.
Others stated that Idei should stop parading himself as Eze Aro, as the state government is still looking into the situation.
Sources told Vanguard that Godwin Idei was invited by the police in Umuahia last Friday and is still being detained as of the time of filing this report.
Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, told Vanguard that Idei is still in police custody as he has yet to fulfill his bail conditions.
“He was granted bail; he didn’t meet his bail conditions,” the PPRO said.
Reacting to Idei’s detention, former Commissioner for Information in Abia State,Chief John Okiyi Kalu, also accused Gov. Alex Otti of being behind his detention and trying to impose a monarch on the Aro people.
He called on the state government to recognize Idei as the Eze Aro since he has been crowned king by Eze Ibom Isii. (Vanguard)